Cape Charles 6-Hour Afternoon Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour afternoon inshore fishing charter in Chesapeake BayTarget Cobia, Mackerel, and Spadefish with provided gearProfessional local captain guides groups up to six guests
When you're looking for serious Chesapeake Bay action, Cape Charles is where you want to drop your lines. This 6-hour afternoon charter with Earning Stripes Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of some of Virginia's most productive inshore waters. We're talking about a fishing experience that locals have been keeping to themselves for years – crystal clear water, reliable structure, and fish that fight like they've got something to prove. Your captain knows every drop-off, every grass bed, and every piece of cover that holds fish in these waters.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. You're getting six solid hours with a local pro who's been working these waters for years, and trust me, that makes all the difference. We launch in the afternoon when the bite really starts heating up – that's when the big boys come out to play. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or keeping it intimate, there's plenty of room to work. All your gear and licenses are handled, which means you can focus on what you came here for. Just pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because once we find the fish, you're going to want to stay put. The Chesapeake Bay around Cape Charles offers everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, giving us options no matter what the conditions throw at us.
We fish smart out here, not just hard. Depending on what's biting, we'll work everything from live bait rigs to artificial lures that mimic the local forage. The beauty of these inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're bouncing bottom rigs for black drum in 15 feet of water, the next you're sight-casting to cobia cruising the surface. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready because when you find a school of spanish mackerel or bluefish, things happen fast. The grass beds hold baitfish, and where there's bait, there's everything else. Structure fishing is huge here too – old pilings, channel markers, and natural ledges all hold fish. Your captain reads the water, watches the electronics, and puts you on fish using techniques that work specifically for Chesapeake Bay conditions.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and Cape Charles serves up some beauties. These fish school up around structure and baitfish, with summer fish ranging from schoolies to keeper-sized stripers that'll test your drag. They hit everything from live spot to soft plastics, and when you hook into a good one in shallow water, it's game on. Best action typically runs from late spring through fall when they're feeding heavily.
Redfish have been making a serious comeback in these waters, and catching one is like winning the lottery. These copper-colored bulldogs love shallow flats and grass beds where they tail and cruise looking for crabs. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll make multiple runs, and most anglers are shocked by just how hard a red drum can pull. Summer and early fall offer your best shots at these beauties.
Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but pound for pound, they're scrappy little fighters that always seem hungry. They stack up around any piece of hard bottom or structure, and once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. These guys are excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene. These fish can get massive – we're talking 30, 40, even 50-pound fish that fight like freight trains. They love to hang around bridge pilings and deeper structure, feeding on crabs and clams. When you hook a big drum, you better be ready for a workout because they use their broad sides to fight you every inch of the way.
Spadefish show up around structure in summer and provide some of the most fun light-tackle action you'll find. They're curious fish that often come up to check out the boat, but getting them to bite can be tricky. When they do take your bait, they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size and make excellent eating.
Cobia are the ultimate prize fish – big, strong, and absolutely delicious. These brown sharks (that's what some folks call them) cruise the surface in summer, often following rays and other large fish. Sight-fishing for cobia is pure adrenaline because you can see them coming, but they're picky eaters. When one decides to eat your offering, hold on tight.
Spanish mackerel bring fast action when they're around. These speed demons hit lures hard and fight way above their weight class. They school up over grass beds and around bait schools, creating some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing you'll experience. Perfect for anglers who like constant action.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the bay. When blues are feeding, you'll know it – they attack bait schools with a vengeance that creates visible chaos on the surface. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up. Great fish for beginners because they're not picky eaters, but they'll give experienced anglers a run for their money too.
Cape Charles inshore fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Six hours gives you real time to work different areas, try various techniques, and get into multiple species. This isn't a rushed trip – it's a proper fishing adventure with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The afternoon timing means you're fishing during prime feeding periods when fish are most active. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, catch your personal best, or just spend quality time on the water with friends and family, this charter delivers. Contact Earning Stripes
Step aboard our classic 45-foot Hatteras Flybridge and get ready to chase Cobia, Mackerel, and Spadefish in the rich waters of Chesapeake Bay. This 1986 beauty runs on twin Caterpillar engines pumping out 567 horsepower each, cruising smooth at 25 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. Built for serious fishing with outriggers, a fighting chair, and bait tank ready for action. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot feeding fish and navigate the bay's changing conditions. Down below, you'll find AC to beat the heat, a fridge for cold drinks, full galley, head, and even a bed for longer trips. GPS, radar, and fish finder keep us on the fish no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. With space for up to 6 anglers, this boat's got everything you need for a productive day on the water - just bring your appetite for adventure and something to snack on between bites.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and they're built for power. These gray-black bruisers typically weigh 5-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds in our waters. They're bottom-feeders that love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crush crabs and mollusks with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. Guests love the challenge of fighting these strong fish, plus smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to success is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom around oyster bars. Here's my tip: listen for their drumming sounds underwater - when they're talking, they're usually feeding and ready to bite.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for folks wanting steady action and great eating. These chunky, dark-bodied fish typically run 2-4 pounds around our area, though we occasionally see some pushing 6-8 pounds. They hang around structure - wrecks, reefs, pilings, and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them popular is they're willing biters and absolutely delicious - firm, white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They'll fight hard until they break the surface, then give up pretty quick. Here's a local trick: use small circle hooks with fresh squid or clam strips, and fish right on the bottom. Once you find them, they're usually there in numbers.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - these blue-green fighters are known for their feeding frenzies and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters and are some of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter. You'll find them in schools attacking baitfish near the surface, around structure, or in open water throughout the bay. Summer into fall is prime time when they're actively feeding before their southern migration. What makes blues exciting is their attitude - they hit hard and fight harder, often jumping and making strong runs. They're also good eating when fresh, especially smaller ones. Just watch those teeth! My go-to setup is wire leader with cut bait or metal spoons. Look for bird activity - when you see diving birds, there's usually a bluefish blitz underneath.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target - these brown, shark-looking fish are apex predators that get anglers' hearts racing. They typically run 30-60 pounds around here, with some monsters pushing 100+ pounds. You'll find them cruising near structure like buoys, channel markers, and wrecks, often just under the surface in 20-50 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you that sight-fishing opportunity. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. My top technique is sight-casting with bucktail jigs or live eels. Pro tip: once you hook one, clear the deck - these fish make long, powerful runs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are some of the most exciting fish to target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches and are easily spotted by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Spring and fall are when they really turn on, especially during spawning season when they school up. What guests love about reds is the visual aspect - you can often see them cruising the flats, plus they fight like bulldogs once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: use live shrimp or cut bait on the bottom around oyster beds, and don't be afraid to fish water that looks too shallow.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of our most unique targets - these silver, disk-shaped fish look like oversized angelfish and put up a surprisingly good fight. They typically run 3-8 pounds and 18 inches, traveling in large schools around structure. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and bridge pilings in 20-60 feet of water, especially during summer months when they're most active. What makes them special is their schooling behavior - when you find one, you've usually found hundreds. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The challenge is they can be finicky biters with small mouths. My secret weapon is fresh clam on small circle hooks. Here's the trick: when you spot a school, cast past them and drag your bait right through the middle - they'll often follow it down.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 1-3 pounds and are some of the fastest swimmers in the bay. They travel in massive schools near the surface, often around structure, grass flats, and drop-offs. Late spring through early fall is when they really turn on, especially on warmer days when baitfish are active. What guests love is the constant action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. They're also great eating, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The key is speed - use small, fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. Here's my trick: look for diving birds or baitfish getting busted on the surface, then get there quick and cast into the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silvery fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we've seen some push 50. They're structure-oriented fish, so we find them around drop-offs, sand bars, and along the shorelines where they hunt for baitfish. Spring through fall are prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes stripers special is their fight - they're strong swimmers that'll give you a real battle, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: focus on moving water near structure during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Live bait like menhaden or eels works best, but don't overlook bucktails bounced along the bottom.
Cape Charles